Unearth The Voyage
Delaware’s coastline is more than just sandy beaches and crashing waves—it’s home to some of the most charming waterfront restaurants you’ll ever visit. From elegant boardwalk dining rooms to casual dockside decks, these spots serve fresh seafood with unforgettable ocean views. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving crab cakes with your toes in the sand, these nine restaurants capture everything magical about eating by the water.
Victoria’s Restaurant
Nestled inside the historic Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, Victoria’s feels like stepping into a seaside dream from another era. The three-tier dining room offers sweeping Atlantic views, while the outdoor patio lets you feel the ocean breeze as you dine. Just steps from the boardwalk, this spot combines vintage elegance with classic American coastal cuisine.
Locals reserve tables here for anniversaries and birthdays, knowing the lump crab cakes and raw oysters never disappoint. The sound of waves crashing nearby adds a natural soundtrack to every meal. Victoria’s proves that fine dining and beach-town charm can exist beautifully together, making every visit feel like a special occasion worth savoring.
Bluecoast Seafood Grill
Perched above the shimmering salt pond in Bethany Beach, Bluecoast has mastered the art of relaxed waterside dining without sacrificing quality. Fresh-caught fish, plump crab, and tender shellfish arrive daily, prepared in a kitchen that respects the ocean’s bounty. The modern interior feels airy and welcoming, never stuffy or pretentious.
What really sets this place apart is the back deck, where you can watch the water while sipping from their award-winning wine list. Locals who know their seafood make Bluecoast a regular stop, drawn by both the view and the consistently excellent preparations. It’s beach-town dining executed with precision and heart, proving you don’t have to choose between atmosphere and quality.
Big Chill Beach Club
Imagine dining with unbeatable views of both Rehoboth Bay and the Atlantic stretching before you—that’s Big Chill Beach Club. This beachfront spot strikes the perfect balance between stylish and casual, offering boardwalk-inspired bites in a family-friendly atmosphere. Fire-pit seating adds cozy warmth to evening meals, creating memorable moments under the stars.
Locals flock here for the famous seafood fries and refreshing crush cocktails, often staying late to catch the sunset painting the sky. The laid-back vibe means kids can be kids while adults relax with drinks in hand. Big Chill understands that coastal dining should feel effortless and joyful, like a permanent beach vacation you can visit whenever the craving strikes.
JP’s on the Wharf
Hidden away on a waterfront deck in Frederica, JP’s feels like Delaware’s best-kept secret—a place locals describe as the region’s front porch. Wooden tables, passing boat traffic, and the smell of steamed seafood create an atmosphere that’s authentically coastal without trying too hard. There’s nothing fancy here, just honest food and genuine hospitality.
Devotees return again and again for the steamers and crab plates that showcase the region’s water-side traditions. The simplicity is the point: good seafood, great views, and the feeling that you’ve discovered something real. JP’s proves that coastal charm doesn’t need polish or pretense—sometimes the best experiences are the ones that feel like coming home to a welcoming deck by the water.
Rusty Rudder
Every night at Rusty Rudder brings live music, laughter, and the sparkle of lights reflecting off Rehoboth Bay. This Dewey Beach institution combines fun coastal ambiance with reliable seafood classics and summer cocktails that taste like vacation. The deck becomes a gathering place where strangers become friends over shared plates and good tunes.
What keeps locals coming back isn’t just the food—it’s the whole experience. The view, the energy, the feeling that you’re part of something bigger than just dinner. Rusty Rudder captures that magical beach-town vibe where every meal feels like a celebration, proving that sometimes the best restaurants are the ones that make you want to stay all night long under the stars.
Paradise Grill
Paradise Grill lives up to its name by offering something rare: dining with sand literally underfoot. Located right on Indian River Bay, this tropical-feeling escape serves fresh local seafood while you wiggle your toes in the sand. Dockside tables and cocktails in hand complete the picture of coastal perfection.
There’s something wonderfully freeing about eating at a place this relaxed and genuine. You can arrive by boat, by car, or on foot, and you’ll fit right in. The combination of waterfront location, fresh catches, and that sandy-floor authenticity makes Paradise Grill one of those spots where coastal charm isn’t manufactured—it’s simply built into every sandy step and salty breeze that flows through the open-air dining area.
Wheelhouse at Fisherman’s Wharf
With its Key-West-inspired deck and serene water views, Wheelhouse offers a quieter alternative to the busiest boardwalk crowds. Located in historic Lewes, this spot draws a strong local following who appreciate outdoor dining that feels both breezy and refined. The fresh seafood shines without competing for attention against the peaceful waterfront setting.
What makes Wheelhouse special is its ability to transport you somewhere tropical while staying firmly rooted in Delaware coastal tradition. The deck invites lingering over meals, watching boats drift by as the afternoon stretches into evening. It’s the kind of place where you remember why you love waterfront dining—not just for the food, but for those perfect moments when good company, great views, and delicious seafood align beautifully.
Claws Seafood House
Blue crabs take center stage at this Rehoboth Beach favorite, where Chesapeake-style seafood meets comfortable coastal surroundings. Claws Seafood House embraces the easygoing spirit of Delaware beach towns, creating a space where you can relax completely while cracking into perfectly steamed crabs. The atmosphere says beach-casual in the best possible way.
Locals love that Claws keeps things simple and focused—great seafood without the fuss. You’re close enough to the beach that sand on your feet feels natural, and the menu celebrates regional favorites prepared the way they should be. This is coastal dining that understands its audience: people who want quality seafood in a setting that feels authentically Delaware, where the emphasis stays on flavor and freshness rather than flashy presentations.
The Crab House
Known throughout the area for super-fresh seafood and its scene-worthy shoreline location, The Crab House has earned its reputation as a local crab destination. Boardwalk proximity means you can practically hear the ocean while you eat, and the laid-back charm invites you to slow down and savor every bite. There’s no rushing through a meal here—the vibe encourages lingering.
Sitting outside at The Crab House, digging into perfectly prepared crab while breathing in salty ocean air, captures everything wonderful about Delaware coastal dining. The combination of location, freshness, and unpretentious atmosphere creates experiences that stick with you long after the meal ends. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why people fall in love with beach towns in the first place.
